‘We are America’: Norman High School students protest ICE in walkout.
Norman High School students held a walkout Tuesday in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
About 100 students gathered on the front lawn of Norman High with signs and flags and wrote anti-ICE messages on themselves with markers.
The protest at Norman High follows a similar walkout at Norman North High School on Thursday. The protests are part of a series of statewide walkouts.
About 10 counterprotesters gathered across the street with signs and American flags.
Protesters and counterprotesters threw water bottles at each other and yelled insults across Main Street, leading to a student altercation. Some drivers honked their horns in support of the students.
In a Tuesday evening email to NHS families, Principal Hallie Wright wrote some students engaged in inappropriate behavior that does not reflect the values of Norman High.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest here are a few important reminders:
• The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority.
• Students are expected to remain respectful and peaceful during any demonstration.
• Throwing items during a demonstration is unacceptable.
• Speeding in a school zone, riding in the back of a moving vehicle, or hanging out of a moving vehicle are extremely unsafe behaviors.
Behavior that would result in disciplinary action on campus also applies to behavior off campus during lunch or the school day,” Wright wrote.
OU Daily chose not to gather last names when interviewing minors to protect their privacy.
Maria, a freshman at Norman High, believes student activism is crucial.
“It’s important for us to make our voices heard because we are America. We are Americans. If we don’t speak up, who will?” Maria said. “Silence is compliance.”
Zane, a junior, said he believes in equality and encouraged other schools to participate in protests as well.
